Implement attachment for tractors



Nov. 28, 1944. A L. A. PARADISE AL 2,353,897

IMFLEMENT ATTACHMENT FOR TRACTORS Filed May 17, 1943 4 Shee tS -Sheet 1 seq I INVENTORS LOUIS A. PARADISE WILBUR J. COULTAS 8 RUSSELL L. DORT Nov; 28', 1944 L. A. PARADISE ERAL 2353,39? r 'IMPLEMEN'i ATTACHMENT FOR TRACTORS Filed May "17, 1943 r 4 Sheis-Sheet 2 r INVENTORS -LOUlS A. PARADISE, WlLBUR a. COULTAS u r RUSSELL L. DORT Nov. 28, 1944, L. A. PARADISE ET AL 3363,

" IMPLEMENT ATTACHMENT FOR THACTQRS v Filed May 1'7, 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 8 mm s 9 a m m m M. H WO R 5 E D 2 3 5 VC 0 O l H14 M. 4 AU I 7| 7| R A AIM m .7 x 2 III UL m r 8 F vB M m w mi m ww w g I. V E m mam m m Y J m R B m l m m 2 I V w w e a m s m 9 .l l m w .l D m H M 2 N 2 T w 0 I l r 4 ma m A J .1 ml! i U U m 7 \\,|||l||||vm||. IIWMI I.-- m m lull P I/ m I .V. wM/ W flm FIG. 6

w m mm mp m w m L N. L 4 wwE m LOUIS PARADISE, WILBUR J. COULTAS a L. A. PAAmsE -ET AL IMELEMENT ATTACHMENT FOR TRACTORS Flled May 17,1943

Pi E "W Nov. 28, 194-4.

Patented Nov. 28, 1944 IMPLEMENT ATTACHMENT FOR TRACTORS Louis A. Paradise and Wilbur J. Coultas, Moline,

Ill., and Russell L. Dort, Davenport, Iowa,as- Signors to Deere & Company, Moline, 111., a cornotation of Illinois Application May 17, 1943, Serial No. 487,384

20 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to implement attachments for tractors, and has for its principal object the provision of a novel and improved tractor and implement combination, in which the implement is disposed in sideby-side relation to the tractor, providing complete vision of the implement from the operators station on the tractor, without the necessity for the operator to turn around to look rearwardly at the implement, but at the same time providing a maximum degree of flexibility in the draft connections, so that the implement can be gauged by its own supporting wheels, independent of the tractor. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel draft connection between an implement which is supported on its own pair of laterally spaced wheels, in laterally stable relation, alongside of a commercial form of tractor, which is also supported on its own wheels.

A co-pending application, Serial No. 435.494, filed March 20, 1942 by Coultas and Dort, now

Patent No. 2,337,592, granted December 28, 1943,

shows an implement of this same general nature, but which depends on the tractor for lateral support and has only one wheel of its own, on which it is carried. Such an arrangement is very satisfactory for the type of implement shown therein, a single row corn harvester, for the single supporting wheel on that implement is located closely adjacent to'the single pair of snapping rolls and serves as a gauging means therefor.

In the case of an implement of greater width, however, such as a two-row corn harvester or a combine, it is preferable to gauge the implement by means of a pair of supporting wheels on the implement itself and spaced rather closely together in order that each of the pairs of snapping rolls on the corn picker can be maintained in the proper relation to the ground when operating over rough or rolling terrain. These objects'are accomplished by interconnecting the implement and the tractor by means of a tra,-n stion relates to the provision ofdraft means for connecting a combine toa tractor in side-by-side relation and arranged so that the tractor is driven in reverse direction with respect to its conventional method of operation, thus providing for maximum visibility of the harvesting operation of the combine.

Still another object of this invention relates to the provision of a corn harvester supported on its oWn laterally spaced wheels alongside the tractor, and draft means extending between the harvester and the tractor for maintaining this relative position, but providing for independent flexibility of movement of the harvester and the tractor. A further object relates .to the provision of means for transmitting power from the power take-off shaft of the tractor to the imple ment along the transversely extending draft member. A further object relates to the provision of a harvester comprising an articulated frame comprising a front section that is swingable vertically relative to the rear section, with control means supported on the tractor adjacent to the operators station and extending along the draft member to control the raising and lowering of the front section of the implement frame.

These and other objects and advantages of our invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following description, in which reference is had to the drawings appended hereto, in which Figure 1 is a plan view of a combine operated in side-by-side relation to a, tractor according to the principles of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary sectional elevational view taken along a line 2-2 in Figure land drawn to an enlarged scale;

Figure 3 is a sectional elevational view of a portion of the draft mechanism, taken along a line 3-3 in Figure 1 and drawn to the same scale as that of Figure 2';

Figure 4 is a front elevational view of the comblue and tractor with the harvester platform removed to more clearly show the details of the draft connections;

Figure 5 is a plan view of a second embodiment of our invention, showing a two-row corn picker attached to a tractor according to the principles of this invention;

Figure 6 is a side elevational view taken in section along a line 68 in Figure 5, showing a detail of the draft connections and drawn to an enlarged scale;

Figure '7 is another sectional elevational view taken along a line 1-1 in Figure 5; and

Figure 8 is a rear elevational view of the tractor and corn picker, drawn to an enlarged end of the body 3|.

scale and showing the wagon elevator broken away to expose the details of the draft mechanism.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figures-L4, inclusive, the tractor, indicated generally by reference numeral l comprises a narrow longitudinally extending body carried on a dirigible truck l2 at one end and having a pair of laterally extending axle housings l3 fixed to'the opposite. end. The housings |3 carry the usual drive axles I4, on which are mounted a pair of traction wheels i5, respectively. Thus, the tractor i0 is of more or less conventional construction, except that, instead of being driven in the usual manner with the dirigible truck I: ahead, in this embodiment the tractor is adapted to be driven in the reverse direction, with the traction wheels l5 ahead and the dirigible truck l2 behind. This type ofoperation is facilitated by removing the usual tractor seat and installing a seat it above the rear end being suitably fixed to the tractor body with the seat facing toward the axle housings it,

The dlrigible truck i2 is controlled by the conventional steering shaft 20, but the conventional of the fuel tank it on a framework it, the latter steering wheel is replaced by a generally horizontal shaft Ed by means of suitable beveled gears 25 within a gear box 26. Although th tractor can be operated in its conventional reverse gear,

an additional gear reduction may, if desired, be installed in the transmission mechanism, so that the usual set of change gears can be used to drive the tractor in reverse direction. One means for accomplishing this result is disclosed in Patent No. 2,309,199, granted January 26, 1943, to Elmer McCormick. Inasmuch as th means for converting the tractor to operation in the reverse direction does not per se form any part of the present invention, further description is not believed to be necessary.

The implement in this embodiment is illustrated as a combine 3t comprising a longitudinally extending separator body 3! disposed alongside the tractor it, and a harvester platform 32 extending laterally from the forward end of the body across the end of the tractor. The platform 32 is provided with the usual cutting apparatus 33 along the forward edge thereof, and a. platform conveyor 34 adapted to deliver the harvested crops from the cutting apparatus 33 laterally into the feeder house 35 at the forward Inasmuch as the details of the harvesting and separating mechanism do not form' a part of the present invention, no further description is considered necessary.

The harvester body 3| is carried on a transverse supporting axle 36, on the opposite ends of which are mounted a pair of supporting wheels 3?, by virtue of which the combine 30 is laterally stable and does not depend upon the tractor for lateral support. A suitable grain tank 38 is mounted on a framework 39 above the stubbleward supporting wheel 31 and reference numeral by means of a transverselydisposed draft beam 45, pivotally connected by means of a longitu-- rator housing 3| and the framework 39. By virtue of the pivot connection 46, the transverse beam is swingable vertically about a fore and aft extending axis, and the beam 45 is prevented from swinging horizontally relative to the separator body 3| by means of a longitudinally extending link 50, which is pivotally connected to a bracket 5| fixed to the beam 45 in laterally spaced relation to the pivot bolt 46, and extends rearwardly therefrom toa pivotal connection with a bracket 52, rigidly mounted on the axle 36.

The beam 45 extends laterally across the end of theatractor l0 between the latter and the harvester platform 32, the beam 45 being pivotally mounted adjacent its end,on asupporting frame 53 by means of a for and aft extending pivot bolt 54, thus providing for swinging movement of the beam 45 relative to the tractor In in a transverse vertical plane about the axis of the bolt 54. The frame 53 is rigidly mounted on the axle housings i3 of the tractor, and comprises a longitudinally extending structural member 55 having an upwardly turned flange 56 fixed by bolts 51 to the implement supporting bosses 58 which are conventionally provided on the front and rear surfaces of the axle housings ormost tractors. The member 55 inclines downwardly from its support on the axle housing and has a 46 indicates. a suitable engine for driving the downwardly turned end portion 53, which is apertured to receive the pivot bolt 54. The member 55 is provided with a vertical flange to provide suficient strength in the member 55 for supporting the beam 55. The beam 55 is braced laterally by means of abracing member 5 I which is fixed adjacent the outer end of the beam 55 and extends generally transversely of the tractor, the other end being rigidly fixed by suitable bolts to the implement supporting boss 63 on the opposite axle housing l3. The end of the beam 45 is provided witha trunnion portion 65 extending substantially at right angles to the beam 45, the opposite end of the trunnion portion 65 being pivotally mounted on a bolt 66, supported on a bracket 61, which is fixed by bolts 68 to the implement supporting boss 58 on the side ofthe axle housing l3 opposite the member 55. The pivot bolts 54 and 66 are substantially in fore and aft alignment, to accommodate the vertical swinging movement about the axis of these bolts of the transverse beam 45. The trunnion portion 65 is rigidly braced to the beam 45 by means 0 a diagonal bracing member 69.

The beam 45 is further restrained from horizontal swinging movement relative to the tractor ill by means of a pair of longitudinally extending vertically spaced parallel links 13, 14, which are pivotally'connected between a pair of vertical brackets l5, l6, fixed to the transverse beam 45 and to the implement supporting boss 63, respectively; The parallel links 13, 14 and the trunnion member 65 permit vertical swinging movement of the transverse beam 45 but prevent not only horizontal angular movement of the beam relative to the tractor but also prevent rotation of the beam 45 about its major axis.

An additional connection between the tractor l0 and combine 30 is provided in the formof a transversely extending link 11 connected to a bracket I8, fixed to the dirigible end of the tractor ID by bolts 19, and the link 11 is connected v at its opposite end to one of the main frame members 49 of the implement body 3|. The rear end of the implement 30 is supported on a'dirigible wheel 85, jour'naled on an axle 85, which is carried on a vertical spindle 81, the latter being mounted on a supporting member 88 extending laterally from the implement body 3|. The supporting member 88 is braced by means of a longitudinally extending structural member 89 tothe axl 3-6 of the implement. The 'dirigible wheel is controlled by a steering connection including an arm 90 fixed to the spindle 81, a link 9| pivotally. connected to the arm ,90 and extending transversely to a pivot connection with a second arm 92, which is rigidly mounted on the steering post 93 of the dirigible truck l2 of the tractor. Thus, the operator controls the dirigible truck I2 and also the dirigible wheel 85 by means of the steering wheel 2 I However, since the links 11 and 9| are flexibly connected at opposite ends thereof, the impleand each is also free to tilt laterally, independent of each other throughout a limited range, It will also be noted that the implement wheels 31 are substantially in transverse alignment with the traction wheels I5 of the tractor, that is to say.- the axes of the wheels 31 and I5 lie substantially in the same transverse vertical plane. Furthermore, the dirigible wheel 85 is substantiall in, transverse alignment with the wheels 95 of the dirigible truck. I2. By virtue of thedescribed wheel arrangement, the implement and tractor can be steered as a unit either to the right or to the left, without anya'ppreciable skidding of any of the wheels on the ground.

7 Referring now more particularly to Figures 5-8. inclusive, the tractor I is of the same general type as the tractor I0 described hereinbefore, except that it is driven in the conventional manner with the dirigible truck. (not shown) at the forward end of the narrow longitudinally extending tractor body IN and the traction wheels I02 at the rear end of the body ML. The wheels I02- are fixed to axles I03 which are journaled in laterally extending axle housings I04 on opposite sides of the rear end ofthe body II. respectively. The

tractor is shown merely in outline, since it is conventional in all respects.

The corn picker I06 comprises a transverse supporting axle I01 carried on a pair of laterally spaced supporting wheels I00. A two-row sheet metal gatherer I09 is rigidly supported on the axle I01 through a plurality of forwardlyextending frame members I I0, which are rigidly fixed to the axle I01. The sheet metal gatherer I09 comprises a central gatherer III and'a pair of outer gatherers II2, defining a pair of rearward- 1y converging slots I I3, I I4 adapted-to receive the ping rolls, of which there are two sets -I I5, H6.

The longitudinal frame members IIO extend for-- wardly in pairs, on opposite sides of each pair of .snapping rolls, respectively.

The implement I05 is provided wit a rear frame section I comprising a pair 0 generally longitudinally extending beams I2I, I22. pivotally connected at their forward ends to a pairof later-' ally spaced brackets I 23 fixed to vthe'axle I 01. The rear frame members I 2I, I 22 are'pivotally connected by means of transversely aligned pivot HI, I22 are interconnected-by transverse frame I09 comprise an articulated implement frame, the sections of which are adapted to swing relative to each other about a transverse axis closely adjacent the axis of the supporting wheels I08. This movement is utilized to provide a vertical adjustment of the forward ends of the gatherers byholding the rear section I20 of the frame generall horizontal and then controlling the movement of the,

forward section I09 about the'pivot axis of the bolts I24, by means which will be described later in detail.

Crop treating mechanism in the form of a husking box I26 is supported on the rear frame section I20, but since the present invention is not concerned with the details of the snapping and husking mechanism, itis not considered necessary to describe any of this mechanism in the, -present application. It is well-known to those skilled in the art that the ears of corn are snapped from two rows of stalks by the snapping rolls II5, II6,and the ears are conveyed rearwardly to the husking box I26, containing suitable husking'mechanism for removing the husks from the ears and then delivering the husked earsto a wagon elevatoryindi'catedby reference numeral I21. The wagon elevator I21 is pivotally mountedadjacent its lower end to the converged rear ends of the frame members I2I; I22, for vertical swinging movement about the axis of the pivot I28. The wagon elevator I21 isi'nclined upwardly and rearwardly and laterally in a position for delivering corn into a wagon I29 disposed directly behind-the tractor 1100. The wagon i29 is'providedmith a tongue .I30 which is connected by a pinflfl to the drawbar I32 of the tractor.

' The implement I06 is connected to the tractor by means of a transversely disposed draft beam I35. the outer end of which is swingably connected to the rear frame sectio'n 'I20'by means prov ding for vertical swinging movement of the beam I35 relativ to the frame section I20 in a transverse vertical plane. The connecting means includes a tubular bearing portion I35 fixed to the outer end of the beam I35 and substantially perpendicular thereto. The tubular portion I30 is carried on a pivot bolt I31, ,which extends "axially through the bearing portion I30 and bolt I31, but is prevented from swinging movement in ahorizontal plane and also from rotation about its major axis relative to the rear frame section I20. The inner end of the draft beam I35 is provided with a ball joint I4I which is carried in a socket support I 42,. the latter being rigidly I mounted on the rear of the tractor by means of a supporting arm I43, which is rigidly fixed to. the drawbar supporting framework I44 of the tractor I00. This framework is rigidly fixed to the rear axle housing of the tractor. The arm I43 is rigidly braced bymcans of three ,iiertically 0 spaced bracing members I45, which converge rearwardly and are connected to the arm I43 by a bolt .I4Ii. The forward ends of ,the' bracing members I45 are connected at vertically spaced points to a verticalibracket I41 in the form of bolts I24 to the brackets I23, and the members a structural angle member,. which is securely An arm I61 is fixed bolted at I48 to theimplement supporting boss. I49 at th outer end of the right hand axle housing I04 of the tractor I00.

. The ball and socketjoint I4I, I42 provides for universal swinging movement of the beam I35 relative to the rigid supporting arm I43, but thebeam I35 is prevented from swinging rearwardly about the ball and socket joint by means of a pair of vertically spaced links. I50, which are connected at their-forward ends to a vertically disposed structural angle member I5 I, which is rigidly fixed by bolts I52 to the implement supporting boss I53 on the rear side of the left hand tractor axle housing I04 adjacent the outer end of the latter. The links I50 extend rearwardly in substantially parallel arrangement and are pivotally connected at their rear ends to a pair of vertical brackets I54, extending above and below the beam I35. Thus, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that draft is transmitted from the tractor through the parallel links to the implement, the links I50 maintaining th draft beam I35 in transverse position and preventing it'fromswinging re'arwardly about the ball andsocket joint I4I, while also preventing the beam I35 from rotating about its major axis relative .to the tractor. However, the links I50 permit the beam I35 to swing vertically about the ball and socket joint I, with the result that the tractor is free to rise and fall relative to the im-- plement or to tilt laterally about a longitudinally extending axis, independently of the implement,

as the tractor and implement travel over rolling or uneven ground. Furthermore, the long bearing I36 at the outer end of the beam I permits th implement to rise and fall relative to the tractor and also to tilt laterally on its own wheels, independent of the tractor, during operation. However, since the beam I 35 is maintained in a transversely disposed position at all times, and

is prevented from horizontal swinging movement relative to either the implement or the tractor,

no other draft connections are necessary, such as between the implement and the forward portion of the tractor, as is found in the prior art, thus providing an extremelysimple and inexpensive draft connection,but at the same time permitting a maximum of flexibility and independ- 1 r ence of movement of both the tractor and the implement. a

. The gathering unit I09 is conveniently controlled by the tractor operator by means of a hand lever I 60 pivotally mounted by means of a bolt I6I on the vertical. angle member I5I,pro-

'viding for fore and aft swinging movement about the transverse axis of the bolt I 6I. connected by means of a link The lever is I62 to an arm I83 fixed to the end of a. transverse rockshaft I 64' which is disposed above and substantially parallel to the transverse draft beam of the rockshaft I64 is extending bracket .l'ournaled adjacent I35. The innerend Journaled in the upwardly I54, while the rockshaft is its outer end in a bearing I66.

to the outer end of the rockshaft I64 and is swingably connected to a'control rod I68, which extends forwardly from 'the I intermeshing bevel gears (not shown) within the arm I61 and is pivotally connected to the frame of the gathering unit I09 above the axis of the pivot bolts I23. The forward ends of the gatherers lever I rearwardly; thus acting through the link I62 to rock the rockshaft I64 in a counter- 6. Thisx' acts through the arm I61 to pull rearwardly Orr-"l6 clockwise direction, as viewed in F1 0 I I I, I I2 can be raised by pulling the control. 7

the control rod. I68 and thereby swinging the gathering unit I09 about the transverse axis of the supporting wheels I 08. Inasmuch as the axis of the pivot connection I24 between the frame sections is closely adjacent to the axis of the supporting wheels I08, thereis very little movement of'the husking unit when the gathering unit ;I09 is adjusted. Furthermore, since the control link I62 is substantially coextensive with the upper link I50, vertical swinging movement of the beam I35 relative tothe tractor has very little effect on the angular position of the rockshaft I64 relative to the beam I35, and'the link I68 is sufficiently close to the axis of the pivot bolt I31 so thatindependent movement of the. tractor and implement as they travel along uneven ground has very little effect on the elevation of the gatherer points III, H2 above the ground.

The control lever I60 is provided with the usual latch mechanism I10, engageable with a notched I sector "I fixed to the upper end of the bracket I5I, for securing the lever I60 in angularly adjusted position. The bracket I5I is braced by means of a strap member I12 which is bolted opposite sides of the husking unit I26 and each spring I16 is connected-at opposite ends thereof to a pair of brackets I 11, I18 rigidly fixed to'the' rear frame section I20 and to the gathering unit I09, respectively. The forward ends of the springs I 16 are attached to the gathering units I09 at a position above the axes of the wheels I08 and of, the pivot connection I23, and thus exert a force tending to support the forwardend of the gathering unit.

Power is transmitted from the power take-oil shaft I of,, the tractor I00 to drive the snapping rolls II5, I I6 and other parts of the snapping, husking and conveying mechanisn'i, by

means of a transverse power shaft I8I journaled at opposite ends in a pair ofgear boxes I62, I83, mounted adjacent the outer and inner endsof the transverse draft beam I35, respectively. The inner end of the power shaft IN is connected through a. pair of bevel gears (not shown) within thegear box I83 to a forwardly extending stub shaft I 84, which is connected to the tractor power take-off shaft I80 through a flexible coupling I85. The flexible coupling I 85 comprises a pair of telescoping power. transmitting shaft's'ections 'I86, I61 connected have universal joint I88, I89 to the stub shaft I84 and to thetractor power take-off shaft I60, respectively. The outer end of'the power shaft IN is connected through a .pair of gear housing I82 to a forwardly extending stub shaft I90, which is connected to a powershaft I9I on the implement through a flexible coupling I92, which is similar to the coupling I85 described above. The fiexible cqnplings I85, I92 accommodate the independent vertical and lateraltilting movements of the tractor and implement and maintain a constant flow of power therebetween I during operation.

The wagon elevator mechanism is driven from the transverse power shaft I8I-through a'drive' chain I93, trained over a sprocket I 94 fixed to I ment between the latter and said beam the shaft Ill, and over a second sprocket I95, which is journalcd on a shaft I96 supported in a pair of laterally spaced bearing brackets I91.

- nected to the shaft I96 through a clutch I99 which is normally held in clutching engagement by a spring I99. The clutch is disengaged by means of a clutch. fork 209 pivoted at 2III to a bracket flxed to the transverse beam I35. The fork 209 is operated through a link :92, which extends transversely alongside the beam I35.and 'is conby means of a keeper 209 attached to the upper end of the bracket 206. When the lever is moved toward the right as viewed in Figure 8, the link 292 and fork 209-are swung to the left, thereby engaging tne clutch I98 and transmitting power to the elevator. The shaft I96 is connected through a universal joint 2 l to the elevator drive shaft 2 journaled in the boot 2I2 of the elevator I21, which is broken away in Figure 8 to show the details of the power transmitting connection.

It is believed that it will now,be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invenbetween the latter and said beam about a fore and aft extending axis but preventing relative angular movement about a generally vertical axis, and means connecting the other end of said beam to said second frame permitting relative angular movement therebetween about a fore and aft extending axis but preventing relative an ular movement about a vertical axis.

3. An implement attachment for a tractor, com- V prising in combination, a mobile frame adapted to travel alongside the tractor, a pair oflaterally spaced ground engaging supports for said frame providing a laterally stable means of support therefor, and draft means for connecting said frame to the tractor comprising a transverse beam, means connecting one end of said beam to said implement frame permitting angular movement between the latter and said beam about a fore and aft extending axis but preventing relative angular movement about'a generally vertical axis, and means for connectin the other end of said beam to the tractor including means for preventing relative angular movement about a vertical axis but permitting relative angular movetion provides a simple but effective tractor and implement arrangement, which provides sufcie'nt flexibility to permit the implement to gauge itself independently ofthe tractor during operation and substantially without interference wih the operation Of the tractor, which is also independently free to follow the contourof the ground. The implement is disposed in such aposition that it is withinconvenient range of vision of the tractor operator at all times. We do not intend our invention to be limited to the exact details shown and described herein, except as set forth in the claims which follow.

We claim:

1. In combination, a self-propelled mobile ported in laterally stable, relation, and draft means interconnecting said frames comprising a transverse beam extending betwee said frames, means connecting one end ofsaid eam to said self-propelled frame permitting angular moveabout a ment about a fore and aft extending axis.

4. An implement attachment for a tractor of the type having a longitudinally extending body carried on a pair of laterally spaced traction wheels, aid attachment comprising, in combination, a frame having a pair of laterally "spaced supporting wheels and adapted to travel alongside the tractor with the axis of rotation of said supporting wheels substantially in axial alignment with the axis of said tractor wheels, and draft means for connecting said frame to the tractor, comprising a transverse beam, means connecting one end of said beam to said implement frame providing for vertical swinging movement of said beam relative to said frame in a transverse plane but preventing fore and aft swinging movement relative thereto, means for swingably connecting the opposite end of said beamto the tractor for movement in a transverse vertical plane, and

draft means connecting said tractor to said beam at a point spaced laterally from said swingable connecting means. v

5. A draft device for connecting an implement to a tractor in side-by-side relation, comprising a transverse beam adapted to extend therebetween,

means adjacent one end of said beam for pivotally connectin the latter to the implement providing for vertical swinging movement of the beam in a transverse plane relative to the implement but fore and aft extending axis but preventing relative. angular movement about a generally vertical axis, and means connecting the other'end of said beamtosaid second frame permitting relative n ular movement therebetween about a fore and aft extending axis but preventing relative angular movement about a vertical axis. 2'. In, combination, a tractor comprising a frame carried on a pair of transversely aligned traction; wheels, a mobile frame adapted to be propelled thereby disposed alongside said tractor and having a pair of laterally spaced supporting wheels 'journaled on an axis. disposed substantially in the same vertical plane as that of the axis of said traction wheels. and draft means interconnecting said'frames comprising a, transverse beam extending between said frames, means connecting one end of said beam to said selfpropelled frame permitting angular movement preventing relative horizontal -swinging movement, and means adjacent the opposite end of the tractor providing for vertical swinging movement relative thereto but preventing relative horizontal swinging-movement. 6. A draft device for connecting animplement to a tractor in sidc-by-side relation, comprising a transverse beam adapted .to extend :therebetweemmeans adjacent one end of said beam for pivotally connecting the latter to the implement providing for vertical swinging movement of the beam inatransverse plane relative to the implement but preventing relative horizontal swinging movement; means adjacent the opposite end of said beam for swingablyconnecting the latter to the tractor, and vertically swingable means spaced from the last mentioned connection for o0nnecting said beam to said tractor'at a point spaced .from said swingable connection, providing for vertical movement of said beam but preventing fore and aft displacement of the implement relative to the tractor as the implement follows the ground contour independent of the tractor.

7. A draft device for connecting an implement 1 frame to a tractor frame in side-by-side relation, comprising a transverse beam adapted to extend therebetween, means adjacent one end of said beam for pivotally connecting the latter to one of said frames providing for vertical swinging movement of said beam but preventing relative hori-' zontal swinging movement, said pivotal connecting means comprising a trunnion member at said end of the beam and a pair of fore and aft spaced bearing supports therefor, and means adjacent the opposite end of said beam for swingably connecting the latter to the other of said frames providing for vertical swinging movement but preventing relative horizontal swinging movement relative thereto.

8. A draft device for connecting an implement frame to a tractor frame in side-by-side relation,

comprising a transverse beam adapted to extend therebetween, means adjacent one end of said beam for pivotally connecting the latter to one of.

said frames providing for vertical swinging movement'of said beam but preventing relative horizontal swinging movement, said pivotal connecting means comprising a trunnion member at said end of the beam and a pair of fore and aft spaced bearing supports therefor, means adjacent the opposite end Of'said beam for swingably connecting the latterto the other of said frames, and fore and aft extending vertically swingable link means connected between said beam and saidother frame'in laterally spaced relation to said last mentioned swingable connecting means.

9. A draft device for connecting a pair of driv-- ing and driven mobile frames together in sideby-side relation, comprising a draft b'eam adapted to extend transversely between said frames, means for pivotally connecting each of said frames to said beam in laterally spaced relation providing .for independent rocking movement of each frame about a fore and aft extending axis, and a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending vertically swingablelink means for'connecting said beam to said frames, respectively, to restrain said frames against horizontal angular movement relative to said beam. l

10. In combination, a tractor comprising a longitudinally extending body having laterally extending axle housings carried on a pair of traction wheels, respectively,'a.t one end of said body and'dirigible wheels at the opposite end thereof, means for operating said tractor with said traction wheels ahead, an implement having a pair of laterally spaced supporting wheels disposed alongharvester relative to said beam.

s de said tractor with the implement wheels generally in transverse alignment with said tractor wheels, a transverse draft beam disposed ahead of said tractor and extending laterally toward said implement, means for swingably connecting said .beam to said tractor and to said implement providing for-independent lateral rocking movement thereof, and means for restraining hori zontal angular movement of said tractor and implement relative to said beam.

11. In combination, a tractor comprising a longitudinally extending body having laterally extending axle housings carried on "a pair of traction wheels, respectively, at one end'of said body and dirigible 'wheels at .the opposite end thereof, means for operating said tractor with said traction wheels ahead, a harvester comprising a longitudinally extending body disposed alongside said tractor and having a pair of later- 12..The combination set' forth in claim 11, including the further provision of a dirigible supporting Wheel mounted at the rear of said body, and link means connecting said difrigible .wheel to said dirigible tractor wheels to be controlled therewith.

13. In combination, a tractor comprising a longitudinally extending body havinguaterally extending axle housings carried on a pair of traction wheels, respectively, at one end of said body and dirigible wheels at the opposite end thereof, means for operating said tractor with "said traction wheels ahead, a. harvester compris- I ing' a longitudinally extending body disposed alongside "said tractor and having a pair of laterally spaced supporting wheels disposed generally in transverse alignment with said tractor wheels and a harvesting platform extending laterally in front of said tractor, a transverse draft beam disposed ahead of said tractor and behind said platform and extending laterally toward said harvester body, means for swingably connecting said beam to said tractor and to said harvester providing for independent lateral rocking move! ment thereof, and a pair of fore and aft extending, laterally spaced, vertically swingable link means connecting said beam with said harvester and said tractor, respectively, to restrain them.

against horizontal angular movement relative to said beam. v

14. A tractor propelled implement comprising in combination, a frame, a pair of laterally spaced Supporting wheels mounted thereon, said frame being adapted to travel alongside a -tractor, a transversely extending draft beam, means pivotally connecting said draft beam at the rear of said frame providing for vertical swinging movement relative thereto in a transverse plane but preventing relative horizontal swinging movement, means for pivotally mounting said draft beam on the rear of said tractor providing for vertical swinging movement relative thereto in a'transverse plane, and swingable draft means spaced from said pivot means, for connecting said beam to the tractor permitting said relative vertical swinging movement but preventing relative horizontal angular movement of said beam relative to the tractor.

15. A tractor propelled implement comprising in combination, a frame, a. pair of laterally spaced supporting wheels mounted thereon, said frame being adapted to travel alongside a tractor, a transversely extending draft beam, means pivotally connecting said draft beam to said frame 1 providing for vertical swinging movement relapermitting said relative vertical swinging movetive thereto but preventing relative horizontal swinging movement, means for pivotally mounting said draft beam on said tractor providing for vertical swinging movement relative thereto, 7 swingable draft means spaced from said pivot means, for connecting said beam to thetractor ment but preventing relative horizontal angular asoasav I movement of said beam relative to the tractor,

- in combination, a frame, a pair of laterally spaced supporting wheels mounted thereon, said frame being adapted to travel alongsidea tractor, a transversely extending draft beam, means Div-.- otally connecting said draft beam to said frame providing for vertical swinging movement relative thereto' in a transverse plane but preventing relative horizontal swinging movement, means for vesting unit, and control means for rocking said rockshaft to raise and lower said harvesting unit.

19. A tractor propelled. implement comprising in combination, a frame, a-pair of laterally spaced supporting wheels mounted thereon, said frame being adapted to travel alongside a tractor, a

transversely extending draft beam, means piv-,

otally connecting said draft beam to" said frame providing for vertical swinging movement relative thereto but preventing relative horizontal swinging movement and preventing rotation of said beam about its major axis relative to said frame,

means for pivotally mounting said beam on the tractor providing for verticalswinging movement pivotally mounting said draft-beam on said trac- 'tor, providing for vertical swinging movement relative thereto, a draft link spaced laterally from said pivot meansfor connecting said beam to the tractor permitting-said relative vertical swinging movement but preventing relative horizontal angular movement of said beamrelative to the tractor, and link means spaced above said draft link 13 and adapted to be connected between said beam and the tractor for determining the angular position of said beam about its major axis.

18. A tractor propelled implement comprising in combination, a frame, a pair of laterally spaced supporting wheels mounted thereon, said frame being adapted totravel alongside a tractor, a

' transversely extending draft beam, means p'ivabout a fore and aft extending axisbut preventing relative horizontal angular movement and preventing rotation of said beam about its major axis relative to the tractor, aharvesting unit mounted on said frame for swinging movement between raised and lowered positions, a transversely disposed rockshaft journaled'on said beam,

means connecting said rockshaft with said harvesting unit, and control means for locking said rockshaft to raise and lower said harvesting unit relative to said frame. v

20. A com harvester comprising an articulated frameincluding front and rear. sections'pivot'ed together on a transverse-axis andadapted to,

travel alongside a tractor, gathering mechanism on said front section, cleaning mechanism on said rear section, a pair of laterally spaced supporting wheels mounted on said frame, a transversely disposed draft beam pivotally connected to said rear section for vertical. swinging movement about a fore and aft extending axis and including means for preventing relative horizontal movement and rotation about. the major axis of said beam relative to said frame, means for pivo'tally otally connecting said draft beam to said frame providing for vertical swinging movement relative thereto about a fore and aft extending axis but preventing relative horizontal swinging, moveinent, means for pivotally mounting said draft beam on said tractor, providing for vertical swinging movement relative thereto, swingable draft means spaced from, said pivot means, for connectin: said beam to the tractor permitting said relative vertical swinging movement but preventing relative horizontal angular movement of said beam relative to the tractor, a harvesting unit swingably connected to said frame by means pro, viding for vertical movement relative thereto, a transverse rockshaft iournaled 'on said beam, means connecting said rockshaft with said barmounting said beam on the rear of the tractor providing for swinging movement about a fore and aft extending axis but preventing relative horizontal movement and rotation about the -malor axis of said beam relative to the tractor, a

transversely disposed rockshaft journaled on'sald beam, means connecting said rocks'haft with said front frame section, a control lever adapted to be mounted on the tractor, and link means connected between said lever and said rockshaft whereby thelatter can be rocked tor'aise and lower said athering mechanism.

LOUIS A, PARADISE.

WILBUR J. COULTAS.

RUSSELL L. D'ORT. 

